Guided By Nature: A DIY Wellness Approach to Enhance Mood and Lessen Pressure

Dr. Emily Greenfield, an accomplished environmentalist with over three decades of experience, has spearheaded the development of the Roots and Shoots program. This innovative initiative aims to bring nature closer to urban living, making it accessible through street trees, canal walks, and pocket parks.

The Roots and Shoots program is designed to be adaptable, catering to various populations, including pupils, senior citizens, and residents of densely populated areas. The program is not a replacement for crisis treatment but offers a practical approach to improving mental health through regular contact with nature.

The program encourages short, localised experiences of nature and even includes virtual nature settings for consistency. Participants are encouraged to monitor their time spent in nature, create repeating outdoor routines, and develop a coping mechanism. Optional breathing techniques and meditations are also incorporated to enhance the overall experience.

Research has shown that exposure to natural scenery has numerous benefits for mental health. It improves mood and focus, reduces stress, and contributes positively to mental health. The primary cause of these improvements is believed to be the Attention Restoration Theory, which suggests that nature's gentle attention capture allows the brain to recover from cognitive fatigue. Additionally, exposure to sunlight boosts serotonin production, improving mood and alleviating depressive symptoms, while regulating sleep-wake cycles. Regular contact with nature also strengthens resilience by enhancing the nervous system's ability to regulate stress and emotional balance.

A recent pilot study on the Roots and Shoots program revealed promising results. After four weeks, intervention participants showed a significant improvement in well-being compared to the control group. Over 82% of participants exhibited consistent improvement, and 59% achieved clinically meaningful change. Both anxiety and depression began in the clinical range in the study, and average scores fell below the clinical level by week four.

The program's success has been so noteworthy that 94% of respondents in the study indicated they would recommend it to a friend. Initiatives such as Roots and Shoots provide a low-cost, scalable initial stage in "stepped care."

As mental health issues become increasingly prevalent, with an estimated £118 billion, or almost 5% of GDP, lost each year in the UK due to these issues, programs like Roots and Shoots offer a promising solution. Having access to green space as a youngster is associated with a lower chance of developing mental illnesses as an adult.

The Roots and Shoots program is a self-guided, four-week nature program designed to boost mood and reduce stress. It combines light reflection, short outdoor activities, and optional technology support. Future investigations will be conducted to determine if habit formation, mindfulness, or values-based introspection lead to the most significant improvements in people.

In conclusion, the Roots and Shoots program offers a practical, accessible, and effective approach to improving mental health through regular contact with nature. Its success in the pilot study suggests that it could play a significant role in addressing the growing mental health crisis.